BASSOVILLE TROLLEY CAR COMPANY: STOP #4 Traditional Cache

A JOURNEY TO BASSOVILLE

In the early 1900’s, when I was just a lad, I lived here with my parents. Most people today don’t realize that this entire area used to look far different. Back then, this area was much more heavily populated, and there were lots of roads. But the roads weren’t designed for cars—they were used by trolley cars! There were overhead electric lines everywhere. The trolleys were powered by hydropower, from the nearby dam.

Back then, this area was known as “Bassoville,” in honor of my father, Basso, Sr. He was quite a shrewd businessman, and founder of the Bassoville Trolley Car Company. Besides the company HQ (off Welch Creek Rd), there was the Bassoville Mercantile, the Bassoville Museum, the Bassoville Gas Station, Bassoville Regional Airport, and so on. You can see many of the structures still existing, but since the Trolley Company relocated to New York City, the old corporate buildings have been turned into museums and youth hostels.

Anyway, this is where I grew up—playing on the trolley cars, and getting into general mischief with the trolley conductors. I liked to sneak on the trolleys and ring the bell when the conductor wasn’t looking. At each stop, I would jump out and place a little container, hoping that someone would find it years later.

Now, 50 years later, I can’t help but wonder if any of those little containers are still there. Can you let me know if you find anything?

Recommend parking on Welch Creek Rd at the 2.7 mile market. Be sure to get the parking permit (or display the East Bay Parks placard if you are a member. The sheriff patrols Welch Rd and issues citations ($43), so don't chance it.